June 25, 2026
Taproot Community Support Services has been recognized by Canada’s Best Private Boards, also known as The Boardies, as one of Canada’s Best Private Boards of 2026.
The national award celebrates private company boards that demonstrate strong governance, leadership and a commitment to thoughtful, responsible and future-focused decision-making.
This recognition is especially meaningful for an organization owned by its employees.
Taproot is 100 percent employee-owned through an Employee Ownership Trust. Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping the organization’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends. In this model, governance is not separate from the work. It helps protect the long-term stability, accountability and purpose of an organization delivering community-based support across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
“Being recognized among Canada’s Best Private Boards is especially meaningful because our governance model is directly connected to employee ownership,” said Mike Fotheringham, CEO, Taproot. “It helps protect Taproot’s future and the purpose that has guided us since 1983: walking alongside people and communities with care, quality and accountability.”
Since 1983, Taproot has grown with communities, now delivering more than 125 community-based services each year through more than 90 contracts. Its 800+ employee-owners support children, youth, adults, families and people with diverse abilities through personalized and culturally responsive services.
That responsibility reaches beyond the boardroom. As an employee-owned, Certified B Corporation and CARF-accredited organization, Taproot maintains strong governance that holds together the commitments that define Taproot’s work: quality services, accountable leadership, strong relationships, and a belief that people and communities are strengthened when support is rooted in respect.
The Boardies recognition brings that work into focus, acknowledging the board leadership needed to sustain a purpose-driven organization as it grows.
“Strong governance creates the conditions for strong services,” said Robert MacDougall, Taproot Board Chair. “Our teams support people through complex circumstances every day. This recognition reflects the shared responsibility behind that work and the care, integrity and commitment our employee-owners bring to the people and communities we serve.”
Taproot will be recognized alongside other recipients at Canada’s Best Private Boards Summit and Awards on November 5, 2026, in Toronto. The event brings together private company directors, CEOs, owners, investors and advisors to share practical insight and strengthen governance across Canada.